This idea actually comes from a few Bill Simmons’ articles on ESPN.com. As a diehard Patriots fan, and a native Bostonian, I often have a very strong opinion on the performances and decisions of the players and coaches. I decided to keep a log or diary as I watch the first Preseason game of 2010 and one against the defending champions, New Orleans Saints. I’ll do it as long as the game keeps my interest (preseason… yawn…). If the idea takes off, I’ll do it a few more times during the season– especially during what I see as must-win games.
So here we go. My first entry in the New England Patriots diary…
7:31- The opening montage reminded me how bittersweet the 2009 Patriots season really was. The return of Brady and high expectations ended with a first round playoff exit at the hands of the Ravens. Makes me wonder about what kind of Patriots we’ll see in 2010. This is exciting.
7:33- Randy Cross was just praising the work ethic and natural ability of rookie linebacker, Brandon Spikes. Hmm, I wish we could see who was reading our blog posts… “The Patriots were really lucky to get a guy of Spikes’ quality in the second round…” Thanks, Randy! Spikes will be starting tonight alongside Jerod Mayo.
7:37- Kickoff! Gostowski has really done a nice job after taking over for Vinatieri. Saints take over at the 20.
7:39- And the Saints are already punting. Really impressive series from the Pats defense. A quick stop on Pierre Thomas, a hit on Brees, and then a sack… And before I could even finish this post Julian Edelman (Diet Wes Welker) rips off a huge 41-yard return. I really like this kid. He could be hugely important if Welker can not be healthy for the opener.
7:43- My man Brady takes the field! Football season is here… get a haircut, dude. Be the supermodel’s boyfriend from February to August.
7:50- Really good tackle from safety Patrick Chung to force another Saints’ punt. If he puts his work in, the Patriots will have 2 great safeties with Chung alongside Brandon Meriweather.
7:53- First Brady-Moss connection of 2010– an out route for a first down. Randy Cross is going on about how “hungry” Moss is. We’ll see… Speaking of hungry, BenJarvis Green-Ellis got the start tonight and has had 3 very hard fought runs… Something Maroney has been lacking.
7:56- Hello, Brandon Tate! What a side line catch. I heard he was getting rave reviews so let’s see if he can put an injury-riddled 2009 behind him. Also, how aggressive is Greg Williams?! Imagine what Jonathan Vilma hears in his headset, “Blitz… blitz… blitz… blitz…”
8:03- Touchdown, Green-Ellis! Yes, I know it’s early. But he has 4 first names! That’s recipe for success!
8:19- Reggie Bush just did a front flip for a first down.
8:26- Really impressive touchdown drive from the Saints. A lot of good passing and some good running. The Pats had them stopped on 3rd down three or four times. Defense really has to finish.
8:31- Julian Edelman just made a couple of great moves after catching a pass over the middle from Hoyer. He is fast. It’s hard to believe that 365 days ago he had never played a snap at wide receiver.
8:33- Edelman just went sideline to sideline breaking tackles and running past defenders. 4 catches for 51 yards and a 41 yard punt return. If it wasn’t for that 11 on his jersey, I might think it were Wes…
8:35- Touchdown, Laurence Maroney. His run was set up by a weaving, spinning run from Green-Ellis. Really impressive drive from the Patriots’ replacements.
8:43- Patrick Ramesy takes over for Drew Brees, and it’s hard to believe that he’s been in the league for 10 years. Remember when he was hailed as the savior of the Redskins?
8:44- Huge, huge, huge hit from Jonathan Wilhite to bring up 4th down. Got to the receiver just as the ball did and absolutely leveled him. He’s the 5th Patriot with dreadlocks hanging from underneath his helmet. I guess after Meriweather’s All-Pro season last year, others are taking on the Predator look.
8:46- Another pass to Edelman, and another 20 yard gain.
Well.. it’s halftime and while I’ll continue to watch the game, the battery on my laptop won’t last much longer. Some quick thoughts before I call it a night:
- Julian Edelman had a hell of a first half. One of the biggest questions entering the season was the health of Wes Welker and the state of his knee entering the season. I think Edelman eased the minds of doubters tonight and showed he put a lot of work in this offseason. 5 catches for 78 yards, and a 41 yard punt return.
- The Patriots’ secondary looked very physical tonight both against the run and the pass. McCourty held his own. Patrick Chung led all tacklers with 5 solo tackles.
- Rookie Brandon Spikes led all Patriot tacklers as he was in on 7 tackles.
- Brady completed 5 passes for 68 yards, 2 for 30 to Randy Moss. He wrapped his elbow upon leaving the game, but I’m guessing it was just to keep the muscles loose.
- BenJarvis Green Ellis looked strong tonight. He was got the start, and answered.
Let me know what you think of the diary format! Any feedback will be taken into account. Cheers.
Popularity: 3%
JimmyD is TSBN's official blogger of the New England Patriots! A life long resident of Patriots' Nations, he has stuck with the team through thick and thin. In typical Boston-fashion, he's not afraid to say exactly what's on his mind and lay it all on the line.
A recent college graduate, JimmyD is looking to break into the publishing world. 
I’m liking the diary type writeup. I mean I wouldn’t’ go for it all the time, but it’s a good glimpse to see what’s going on in the game. Your assessment though is the winner IMO.
Although that might be because we lost that nail bitter. Thank goodness it’s preseason.
I agree that Julian Edelman is making me worry a lot less about when Wes Walker will return. Great to see in the preseason so far.
The diary format is an interesting change, but I find your previous work a better read.